Letters to the Editor for Feb. 3, 2013

The configuration of a Colt AR-15 is an assault weapon look-a-like because of it's structural integrity. It cannot be altered to fully automatic fire. It is a weapon of choice by returning veterans, who attained proficiency and safe handling of type. We send precious youth off to fight in foreign wars then refuse them their rights. I cannot however speak for other weapons that perhaps could be altered.

If Nancy Lanza kept her gun in a gun safe and trigger locked, as per Connecticut law and guidelines this tragic event would never have occurred.

With $250,000 plus a year on alimony, she could certainly afford a gun safe. She also could have given her obviously disturbed son, the psychiatric help he so desperately needed.

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I am a Korean vet. My brother Smokey, flying in a B-17 during WW II, got shot down in the Med. Five crew died. He survived but was badly injured. Injuries that effected the rest of his life. He fought in a justified war. He fought on a justified war. He fought for justice and freedom. The freedoms that are gradually chipped away by legislators, that have never experienced war fear and P.T.S.D.

God Bless America Land of the free.

Bobby Brzozowy, New Hartford

Regarding football celebrity Dan Marino and his love child:

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. I disagree with those who believe celebrity football star Dan Marino should not receive a backlash from the media for his part in fathering a love child back in 2005.

As with any celebrity, the price they pay for their faux pas' should be commensurate with the fame they have achieved. Dan Marino may have never claimed to be above other people but he also never shied away from all the trappings that come with being a big sports star. He collected hefty paychecks for lame endorsements of products like Papa John's Pizza, Hooters, Maroone automobiles, AARP, FirstPlus Mortgage, Isotoner gloves and Levinson Jewelers - to name but a few. He also parlayed his football career into an acting career making appearances in movies like "Little Nicky," "Holy Man," "Bad Boys II" and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective." In addition, Marino was known to charge as much as $50,000-100,000 for various appearances, motivational speaking engagements and autograph signings.

Yet Marino, while publically endorsing himself and touting his so-called "leadership skills" to the world, was using his money to hide the fact that he was secretly engaging in non-leadership, sexual infidelities. And now that he has been found out, he wants all the bad publicity to go away so he can continue on just as before - keeping his "arrangement private to protect all parties involved." Is such a phony truly beyond our moral reproach? Is he really beyond public scrutiny? I think not. Celebrities who want it all should be ready to take the fall.